Master of Ceremonies – Eamonn De Cogain

Éamonn de Cógáin, hailing from Cork, Ireland, is celebrated as Ireland’s most energetic MC. A native Irish (Gaelic) speaker, Éamonn has enthralled audiences across the United States, earning the affectionate title of “The Céilí King” for his unparalleled ability to bring traditional Irish dance to life. With a rich heritage rooted in storytelling and entertainment, Éamonn seamlessly blends his talents as an actor and storyteller, captivating listeners with tales from the Emerald Isle. His smooth brogue and infectious enthusiasm have made him a staple at Irish festivals nationwide. Éamonn has introduced thousands to the joys of Irish Céilí dancing, teaching the basic steps and movements with an easy-going nature that encourages participation from all ages. Now residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Éamonn continues to share his passion for Irish culture, bringing the spirit of Ireland to every event he graces. His performances are not just events; they are unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and storytelling that leave audiences yearning for more, where every attendee becomes part of the dance, the story, and the magic that is Ireland. ‘Éamonn de Cógáin – The Céilí King’ – Éamonn de Cógáin is a celebrated Irish entertainer, MC, and dance caller, known far and wide as The Céilí King. With an infectious energy and a deep passion for Irish music and dance, Éamonn has led lively céilís and hosted major festivals across Ireland, the U.S., and beyond. Whether calling traditional dances for crowds of all ages or keeping audiences engaged as an emcee, he brings unparalleled enthusiasm and charm to every event, ensuring an unforgettable experience wherever he takes the stage.

Waxie Dargles

Celtica

“Infectious fun” is the best way to describe Celtica, a session band over fifteen years in the running around the St. Louis and Metro East region.  The band’s name reflects the Celtic musical world – traditional tunes and songs from Ireland; Scotland; Wales; Celtic regions of France, Spain, and Canada; as well as traditional and original music from the United States.  Celtica’s command of ballads, sprightly traditional tunes, and stories about the music, is guaranteed to engage any audience. 

Celtica’s first album, “Belleville Sessions,” released in 2012, reprises music from the band’s first four years playing at a Belleville, IL pub called Castletown Geoghegan.  “Belleville Sessions” features original music from band leader, Paul Niesen, including the instrumental ballad “Going Home.”  “Nice As Apple Pie,” builds upon this solid traditional foundation by exploring new musical genres and infusing both old and new musical friends.  “Athair agus Iníon” is a father-daughter collaboration that includes family favorites.  The band’s most recent release is “A Celtica Christmas,” which compiles seasonal music, carols, and some traditional tunes as well as original music. 

The band has performed with several area musical groups, including the Great Rivers Choral Society and the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Website: https://celticatradmusic.com/

Clarkson Irish Dancers

The Clarkson School of Irish Dance has been sharing the art of Irish dance with children and adults in St. Louis and St. Charles for 30 years. Considered one of the premier Irish dance schools in Mid-America, our dancers compete at the local, regional, national and world level in solo, ceili and choreography dancing. We also perform throughout the year at festivals, fairs, parades, schools and special events in Missouri and Illinois. Clarkson is the only Irish dance school in Missouri with four certified TCRG teachers – and two ADCRG’s – on staff, designations that require years of training, teaching and rigorous testing by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in Ireland.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarksonIrishDance
Website: https://www.clarksonschool.com/

Keltic Reign

Keltic Reign is a dynamic seven-piece ensemble that brings Mitzi MacDonald’s Celtic-rooted vision to life. The group performs a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary music drawn from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ireland, and Scotland, blending heritage tunes with original compositions.

Founded in 2000, Keltic Reign has graced numerous stages and events over the years, including the prestigious Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden and many community concerts throughout the bi-state region. Along the way, the band has evolved to include the next generation of musicians – notably Mitzi’s own children – as part of its ever-growing sound.

Their latest CD, Reign-Bow, captures the spirit and energy of their performances, while their live shows continue to win over audiences with their authenticity, tight harmonies, and heartfelt storytelling.

Alongside Mitzi, founding members Randy Getz (vocals, bodhrán, keyboards) and Michael Levine (guitar) have been the heartbeat of the group since its early days. They’re joined by drummer Marc Waters, who’s been keeping the rhythm strong since 2018, and Mitzi’s children — Andrew Laws (vocals, bass), Holly Laws (violin, vocals, mandolin, Irish tin whistle), and Ashby Laws (accordion, vocals, bodhrán, Irish tin whistle).

Holly and Ashby spent their formative years studying traditional Irish and Cape Breton music and have continued to perform together for two decades. They proudly represented their music school, St. Louis Irish Arts, competing at the national level and at the world competition in Ireland, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

About Mitzi
Born and raised on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Mitzi is a singer, songwriter, and pianist whose music carries the spirit of her Celtic roots while telling stories of life, love, and faith. She began performing at a young age and has since built a career that spans touring, Nashville recordings, and decades of heartfelt performances in St. Louis, Missouri, which she now calls home.

Mitzi’s songs and albums reflect her journey and her deep connection with audiences. Whether at concerts, churches, or community gatherings, her warm voice and authentic style invite listeners into an intimate and uplifting musical experience.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063686104184
Website: https://mitzimacdonald.com/keltic-reign/

O’Faolain Academy of Irish Dance

Since 2007, the O’Faoláin Academy of Irish Dance (OFA) has been teaching the tradition of Irish dance to children and adults in the St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois region. Irish dance is a beautiful and active sport that fosters strong friendships and teaches valuable life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. OFA welcomes dancers of all abilities and ages, four and up. Beginner through Open Championship, and adult classes are offered at the Edwardsville, Illinois, and Webster Groves, Missouri, studios.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofaolainacademy
Website: https://www.ofairishdance.com/

Rusty Nail

Born in the winter of 2005, Rusty Nail is a 5 piece band that plays Celtic infused Rock songs, inspired by such acts as The Pogues, The Tossers and Flogging Molly. With the strong Irish history in many of St. Louis’ neighborhoods on the city’s South Side, Celtic folk music has a rich tradition and a welcome place in our great city. Gaining the love and encouragement of our town, we have crafted our sound by playing a healthy mix of these traditional songs as well as a strong repertoire of our own original music. We began this experiment in the various pubs and festivals of metro St. Louis and built a solid reputation as an entertaining and energetic live music experience and a true-to-form Irish bar band.

Rusty Nail takes its name from an Old-Timey beverage made with Whiskey and Drambuie Liqueur. We feel that we are a potent blend of traditional and hard rock elements that works well at any party, club or booze-fueled festivity!

In 2011 we released our first “FULL BAND” album, containing many of our original and live show favorites. The record “Boozers, Bastards, and Bards” garnered great local reviews and bore us many new friends and supporters. While we are inspired by these traditional sounds, we aim to put our own spin on Folk Rock. We like to think if Shane McGowan or Liam Clancy grew up listening to Nirvana, they would create music that sounds like Rusty Nail!

So whether it is St. Pat’s and you are looking for a soundtrack for your revelry, or it is the dead of winter and you need a spot of whiskey and a jig to warm you, in Rusty Nail you will always find a great time!

Rusty Nail is:
Alvan Caby – Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals
Chad Ross – Electric Guitar, Dulcimer, Accordion, Banjo, Guitar, Bouzouki
Dennis Frentzel – Drums
Kelly LaRussa – Violin
Pete McAvity – Bass

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rustynailmusic
Website: https://www.rustynailstl.com/

The Laws Sisters

Holly and Ashby Laws have been making music together since childhood, performing side-by-side from the moment they first picked up their instruments. As students of St. Louis Irish Arts, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of traditional Irish music from a young age. They especially love the ability to blend their favorite Irish standards with influence from their family ties to Cape Breton Island. Today, the sisters continue to perform around the St. Louis area in a variety of groups, including Mitzi MacDonald and Keltic Reign and No Soliciting. With Ashby based in St. Louis and Holly now living in Kansas City, opportunities to play together are especially meaningful, and they’re always excited when they can reunite to share music again.